KUALA LUMPUR: A London Umno club member broke down in tears when he broached the subject of Jerusalem being acknowledged by the United States as the capital of Israel.
Ahmad Syazwan Shah Shah Headan was highlighting the issue in his debate at the 71st Umno General Assembly, when he became overwhelmed with emotion and sobbed on the rostrum.
The audience connected with his sentiment and began chanting “Alluahuakbar”. Some of the Wanita Umno delegates on the floor were also seen wiping their tears.
“On behalf of the Malaysian students abroad, we strongly condemn the announcement of Jerusalem as an Israeli capital. Remember, the struggles of (a Prophet’s companion) Saidina Umar and Salahuddin Al-Ayubi’s fight to free the state.
“This is similar to the struggles of our forefathers in Umno in upholding religion and race. The younger generation should be reminded of their struggles.”
Syazwan who represented the Umno Overseas Club also spoke about problems faced by Malaysian students during the Arab Spring and the “Brexit” referendum.
He said the situation faced by the students abroad gave them a better perspective on the world’s political climate.
He also asked the party to allocate seats in the Youth Parliament for the students abroad.
“Just because we are away does not mean we are in a safe zone (from general elections). London Umno club has been giving more exposure to the students on politics.
“These days, the younger generation are more aware of the current political situation. They are more sensitive to the current issues with the existing platforms available.
“If the student abroad are given a chance to have a seat in the youth parliament, we are able to give the idealism,” Syazwan said when he was debating the motion to support the presidential address at Putra World Trade Centre here.
Party president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had announced the party’s stand in rejecting the recognition in his presidential speech in the opening of the assembly on Wednesday.
Najib had said such a proposal would never be accepted by Muslims worldwide as Jerusalem was among Islam's three holy sites.